When thinking about having a night of exhilarating fun, we usually aren’t expecting to boost our brain power. However, a night in an escape room could potentially do just that! Solving puzzles while racing the clock is a great way to improve the functioning of the brain. But how exactly does this happen? Let’s explore how an escape room can better your brain.

Think Outside The Box

The brain is a superhighway of neurotransmitters that transfer information. When we think in the same thought patterns, we aren’t using as many ‘roads’ in the brain as we could be. In an escape room, you are forced to think outside the box in order to escape. When you think outside the box, you are using parts of your brain that promote creativity and strengthen problem solving skills. When we use unique thinking patterns, we are coaching our brains to function more quickly and efficiently.

Memory

Isn’t it frustrating when you just can’t remember what you were about to say or do? Memory is another aspect of brain functioning that can be improved by heading to an escape room. When solving a puzzle, you work in a step-by-step process. In order to complete the next step, you typically use information gathered from the previous step. By completing the puzzles during an escape game, you build the short term memory ‘muscle.’

Dopamine Production

Brain power doesn’t only concern smarts, it also includes mood and emotional stability. The brain loves rewards, and solving a difficult puzzle is very rewarding. When we solve a puzzle, our brains produce dopamine, which in turn makes us more confident, optimistic, and happier overall. While there are many ways to get a rush of dopamine, solving puzzles is a safe and constructive way of doing so.

Delay Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are horrific conditions that damage the brain and reduce its ability to function normally. It has been found that keeping the mind active through puzzles can delay the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. They can reduce the amount of brain cell damage that occurs in Alzheimer’s disease. Research has also found that there is a correlation between the number of years someone has been solving puzzles and a lower chance of developing these conditions. This means you should head to an escape room as soon as possible and start solving!

Collaboration

One of the most important puzzles in life that we need to solve is how to work well with others. When we refuse to collaborate, we are denying our brain the ability to work together and solve real world problems. In an escape room, you and your group of adventurers will work together, racking your brains to solve the next task. This helps your collaboration skills and can improve your day-to-day life.

Physical Benefits

Solving puzzles not only helps the brain, but also the body. Even though the clock is ticking, you will find that the rate of your breath and heart slows down in deep concentration. This decreases your blood pressure, which greatly benefits your cardiovascular system and heart health.

An Exhilarating Escape Room

While most improvements in cognition can be achieved through any type of puzzle, solving puzzles in an escape room has an unmatched level of fun. 13th Hour offers thrilling experiences which have become the top escape games in the Tri-State area. At 13th Hour, you can immerse yourself in a thrilling experience that that will boost your brain power. Get your tickets now if you have what it takes to escape before the clock runs out.